Hope Creek Ranch

Canyon Creek, Montana

$6,800,000

673± Acres

INTRODUCTION

Nestled within 673± deeded acres of pristine Montana wilderness, Hope Creek Ranch boasts a serene 1.12± miles of Hope Creek meandering through the property. The land seamlessly borders 1.5± miles of Helena National Forest, providing unparalleled access to thousands of acres. The area is known for its abundant year-round wildlife, including elk, whitetail deer, mule deer, and antelope, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and avid hunters alike. Situated within Hunting District 293, this property offers prime elk and deer hunting opportunities, complemented by excellent fishing and many other outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking.

Hope Creek Ranch is not just about the land; it also features a charming but functional log home, a bunk house, and a barn for equipment and feed storage. The cabin is a cozy abode with one bedroom and a fully finished attic, serving as the perfect basecamp after a day of adventure and exploration. With no existing conservation easement, the property remains a prime candidate for one, offering potential for future preservation and ecological stewardship.

This wilderness retreat is conveniently located just a 40-minute drive from Helena, Montana, and the Helena Regional Airport, ensuring easy access to urban amenities and travel options. For those seeking a broader range of flights, Missoula Montana Airport is 2± hours away, and Bozeman International Airport is a mere 2 hours and 30± minutes drive away. This unique combination of natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and accessibility makes Hope Creek Ranch an exceptional opportunity for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Montana’s great outdoors.

1 Hope Creek Ranch | Canyon Creek, Montana

QUICK FACTS

• 673± deeded acres, with additional 200± acres of Forest Service land entirely surrounded by private property, with no easements to the Forest Service or the public

• 1.12± miles of Hope Creek meandering through the property

• Borders 1.5± miles of Helena National Forest, offering access to thousands of acres of National Forest

• Year-round elk, whitetail, mule deer, and antelope populations

• Hunting District 293 for elk and deer, a general draw area

• Excellent fishing and big game hunting

• Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking

• Charming but functional log home with one bedroom and a fully finished attic, providing the perfect basecamp after a day of recreation

• Bunk house with two rooms

• Additional outbuildings and sheds for equipment and feed storage

• Historic old homesteads sprinkle throughout the ranch

• No conservation easement on the property, but a prime candidate for one

• 12.3 miles from Highway 12 to the ranch. Seasonal access the last 6.5 miles to the ranch during the winter and must travel via plow or snowmobile

• 40± minutes drive from Helena, Montana, and Helena Regional Airport

• 2± hour drive from Missoula, Montana, and Missoula Montana Airport

• 2 hours and 30± minutes drive from Bozeman International Airport

AGRICULTURAL QUICK FACTS

• Equipment barn and sorting corrals

• Developed springs with stock tanks

• Strong water rights

• Multiple ditches traversing the property are used for flood irrigation

• Historically, the ranch has been used for summer grazing and can summer approximately 100± cow/ calf pairs from early July through late September

• List of water rights available upon request

3 Hope Creek Ranch | Canyon Creek, Montana

WATER RESOURCES

The Hope Creek Ranch is laden with pure high mountain water. Having both sides of Hope Creek for 1.12± miles and three large, developed fishing ponds provides endless fishing and recreational opportunities. Nelson Creek, a tributary to Hope Creek, meanders its way through the ranch and ultimately ends up in Hope Creek. Along with the fishable water, the ranch is littered with natural springs that seep out of the hillsides, providing stock and wildlife water sources and more pond opportunities. These springs are a big reason the rolling hay fields stay lush and green all summer. Historically, the early settlers planted the ranch in timothy hay, which has established and remains robust today.

Hope Creek Ranch | Canyon Creek, Montana

ACREAGE

The Hope Creek Ranch elevation ranges from 5,732± feet to 6,160± feet throughout its 673± acres, with rolling hills, thick timber, creek bottoms, and lush meadows along the 1.12± miles of Hope Creek. An additional 200± acres of Forest Service land is entirely surrounded by private property, making it inaccessible to the Forest Service and the public due to no easements. The large acreage lends itself to diverse landscapes and provides multiple building sites. It offers mixed terrain, including pine trees, native grass, and hills on either side. It blends visual diversity, natural privacy, wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, and seasonal beauty. Three large, well-maintained fishing ponds offer an abundance of fishing opportunities. Along with Hope and Nelson Creeks running the length of the ranch, there are multiple springs and developed springs for stock and wildlife.

Hope Creek Ranch | Canyon Creek, Montana

IMPROVEMENTS

Hope Creek Ranch offers more than just expansive land; it boasts a small but functional log home, a bunkhouse, and a barn for equipment and feed storage. The cabin is a cozy retreat with a loft-style one-bedroom and a fully finished attic, making it the perfect base camp after a day of adventure and exploration. The cabin is equipped with solar panels, and a new owner has the option to extend the power supply to support additional building sites if desired. Equipped with a septic system, this cabin combines convenience with rustic charm. The bunkhouse, featuring two rooms, provides extra space for guests or storage. Additionally, the ranch includes a barn and shed, which allows additional space for equipment and feed storage, enhancing its overall functionality.

Hope Creek Ranch | Canyon Creek, Montana

RECREATION

HUNTING | WILDLIFE

Dozens of animals call this area and the Hope Creek Ranch home, including deer, elk, grouse, Hungarian partridge, bear, and even the occasional moose. Bird watching for raptors, bald eagles, mountain bluebirds, sandhill cranes, and other species is phenomenal. The protected setting and resources of the ranch and surrounding area make it an ideal home for elk, deer, and moose. The opportunity to harvest elk each year on the ranch is excellent. You will also find quality white-tailed and mule deer numbers on the property. Licenses can be purchased directly over the counter for elk and deer hunting, ensuring the new owner can hunt with family and friends. The Hope Creek Ranch is in Hunt District 293. The Helena and Missoula areas have long been known as big game hunting destinations.

Photo not taken on property

FISHING

Hope Creek runs through the ranch, offering a small stream fishing experience, and could be a candidate for stream enhancement, which could improve the fishery. Along with the 1.12+ miles of Hope Creek, there are multiple locations to create additional ponds and wetlands. Currently, three large ponds are stocked with brown trout and native cutthroat trout. Due to the PH of the area’s water, the food sources for the fish are abundant, and as a result, the fish get large.

When the time comes to explore other fishing waters, the Missouri River flows on the eastern side of Helena Valley, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes’ drive from the ranch. It is well known for its world-class trout fly fishing, particularly for brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout. The lower river is home to a variety of other fish species as well, including walleye, sauger, and catfish. Fishing on the Missouri River near Helena can be good year-round, although the best time to fish for trout is typically from late spring through early fall. Apart from the river, the area also boasts three large reservoirs – Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Lake Dams – providing a wealth of fishing and recreational opportunities nearby.

13 Hope Creek Ranch | Canyon Creek, Montana

RECREATION CONTINUED

OTHER RECREATION

Helena, Montana, located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, provides plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. In addition to hunting and fishing, the area boasts an extensive network of trails perfect for hiking, biking, camping, and backpacking. Snowmobiling is a popular outdoor activity, providing access to the ranch for wintertime adventures during the colder months. For water lovers, the Missouri River Canyon Ferry Lake is ideal for boating enthusiasts. A 30-minute drive from Hope Creek Ranch is the Great Divide Ski Area, a local hill perfect for skiing and snowboarding during the winter, and golfers can enjoy multiple golf courses near Helena during the summer months.

Hope Creek Ranch | Canyon Creek, Montana

Located within Lewis and Clark County, Hope Creek Ranch is 30± miles from Helena, Montana. As the state capital, county seat, and home to the prestigious Carroll College, Helena maintains an active community of students, politics, and outdoor activities. Missoula, Montana, 115± miles to the west, calls visitors to enjoy its vibrant downtown shopping, restaurants, and events on the University of Missoula campus.

AIRPORT SERVICES

The closest commercial airport, Helena Regional Airport, accommodates direct flights to and from Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Denver via Alaska, Delta, and United Airlines. Executive Air services private aircraft. Helena Regional Airport is approximately 30± miles from Hope Creek Ranch.

Located 108± miles from the property, the Missoula Montana Airport is also a popular commercial airfield. Alaska, Delta, United, and others serve Missoula Montana Airport.

Photo not taken on property

Hope Creek Ranch | Canyon Creek, Montana

MINERAL RIGHTS

The Seller intends to retain 50% of his mineral rights. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company.

CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP

The Hope Creek Ranch is not under conservation easement. The ranch does lend itself as an excellent candidate for a conservation easement if desired.

Each of us at Fay loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape.

20 www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

WATER RIGHTS

Montana waters, in all their varied forms and locations, belong to the State for the benefit of its people. A water right is the right to use the water within state-established guidelines, and not any ownership of the water itself. Since water rights in Montana are guided by the prior appropriation doctrine, a person’s right to use a specific quantity of water depends on when the use of water began, establishing the relative priority date of use on the water source. The first person to use water from a source established the first right, the second person could establish a right to the water that was left, and so on. Additionally, water users are limited to the amount of water that can be beneficially used. Beneficial use includes, but is not limited to, agricultural, recreational, fish, wildlife and domestic purposes.

Montana is currently conducting a statewide adjudication of all water rights with priority dates prior to July 1, 1973. The statewide adjudication is a court process that prioritizes and quantifies all existing water rights in each Montana drainage basin. With 85 basins in Montana, and over 219,000 water right claims, the statewide adjudication is a massive undertaking that is expected to stretch well into the future. Until the adjudication process is complete, the status of any particular water right claim cannot be guaranteed. Fay Ranches, Inc., its brokers and salespersons do not warrant or make any representation concerning the quantity or quality of any water rights, nor any legal entitlement to use of water rights, permits to appropriate water, exempt existing rights, determination of existing water rights, nor any ditches, ditch rights, or ditch easements appurtenant to or constituting a burden on the property. Water rights claims appurtenant to the property may or may not have been fully or finally adjudicated, and any Buyer is advised to make any offer to purchase contingent upon and subject to such independent inspections, evaluations, and advice concerning the water rights and adjudication process as a Buyer might deem prudent. All Buyers should be aware that Fay Ranches, Inc., its brokers and salespersons involved in this offering have not conducted an expert inspection or analysis of the water rights for this property.

Hope Creek Ranch | Canyon Creek, Montana

SUMMARY

The Hope Creek Ranch stands unparalleled, nestled in Montana’s most coveted areas of pristine, untouched land. Ranches of this caliber are a rarity. Its panoramic views of the surrounding mountains make it one of the most beautiful properties on the market. From the accessible location between Helana and Missoula, Montana, to the abundant wildlife and water resources, the ranch balances agriculture and recreation while offering multiple management possibilities. Fay Ranches is proud to market a ranch with so much beauty and possibility.

Hope Creek Ranch | Canyon Creek, Montana

Please contact James Esperti at (406) 581-4795 | jesperti@fayranches.com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties, fly fishing properties, and sporting ranches that we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com.

$6,800,000 Cash

Conventional Financing 1031 Exchange

Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.

www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com

RELATIONSHIPS IN REAL ESTATE

As required by Montana law, a broker or salesperson shall disclose the existence and nature of relevant agency or other relationships to the parties to a real estate transaction. The various relationships and description of duties are as follows:

1. SELLER AGENT

A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:

Act solely in the best interests of the seller; Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the seller; Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the seller agent and not known or discoverable by the seller unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the seller agent; Safeguard the seller’s confidences; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the seller’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement; Fully account to the seller for any funds or property of the seller that comes into the seller agent’s possession; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a seller and obtaining a seller’s written consent, to represent multiple sellers of property and to list properties for sale that may compete with the seller’s property, without breaching any obligation to the seller.

A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to:

Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the seller agent, except that the seller agent is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent when the seller agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property; Act in good faith with a buyer and a buyer agent; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

2. BUYER AGENT (cont)

A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:

Disclose any adverse material facts that are known to the buyer agent and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer; Disclose to the seller or the seller agent when the buyer agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property; Act in good faith with a seller and a seller agent; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

3. DUAL AGENCY If a seller agent is also representing a buyer, or a buyer agent is also representing a seller with regard to a property, then a dual agency relationship may be established. In a dual agency relationship, the dual agent is equally obligated to both the seller and the buyer. These obligations may prohibit the dual agent from advocating exclusively on behalf of the seller or buyer and may limit the depth and degree of representation that you receive. A broker or a salesperson may not act as a dual agent without the signed, written consent of both the seller and the buyer.

A “Dual Agent” is obligated to a Seller in the same manner as a seller agent and is obligated to a Buyer in the same manner as a buyer agent, except a dual agent:

Has a duty to disclose to a buyer or seller any adverse material facts that are known to the dual agent regardless of any confidentiality considerations; and May not disclose the following information without the written consent of the person to whom the information is confidential; The fact that the buyer is willing to pay more than the offered purchase price; The fact that the seller is willing to accept less than the purchase price that the seller is asking for the property; Factors motivating either party to buy or sell; and Any information that a party indicates in writing to the dual agent is to be kept confidential.

4. STATUTORY BROKER

A “Statutory Broker” is not the agent of the Buyer or Seller but nevertheless is obligated to them to:

Disclose to: i. a buyer or buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the statutory broker, except that the statutory broker is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; and ii. a seller or a seller agent any adverse material facts that are known to the statutory broker and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in putting together a real estate transaction, and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

5. IN-HOUSE SELLER AGENT DESIGNATE Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker agreement with the buyer, an in-house seller agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a seller for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the seller with respect to the designated transaction.

6. IN-HOUSE BUYER AGENT DESIGNATE

Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker agreement with the buyer, an in-house buyer agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a buyer for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the buyer with respect to the designated transaction.

BUYER AGENT

A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to: Act solely in the best interests of the buyer; Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the buyer; Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the buyer agent and not known or discoverable by the buyer, unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the buyer agent; Safeguard the buyer’s confidences; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the buyer’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement; Fully account to the buyer for any funds or property of the buyer that comes into the buyer agent’s possession; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations. Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a buyer and obtaining a buyer’s written consent, to represent multiple buyers interested in buying the same property or similar properties to properties in which a buyer is interested and to show properties in which a buyer is interested to other prospective buyers, without breaching any obligation to the buyer.

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